Are you searching for the best nursing schools in South Carolina? Whether you're starting your journey in healthcare or advancing your nursing career, finding the right nursing program is essential. In or near South Carolina, you’ll find a range of accredited nursing programs, from entry-level certificates to advanced nursing degrees.
Explore nursing schools in South Carolina to choose the right program for your future in nursing.
South Carolina Nursing Degree Programs
RN to BSN Programs in South Carolina
RN to BSN programs in South Carolina are tailored for registered nurses who want to expand their skills, advance in their careers, or pursue graduate education. These programs can often be completed in 12 to 18 months and focus on leadership, research, and community health. Many schools offer flexible online formats to accommodate working nurses.
RN to BSN and RN to MSN Bridge Programs by Specialization in South Carolina
Bridge programs in South Carolina provide registered nurses with clear academic pathways to higher degrees. RN to BSN programs help build leadership and public health expertise, while RN to MSN bridge programs allow for specialization in roles such as family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or clinical nurse leader. These programs are designed to fit into the schedules of working professionals through evening, weekend, and online formats.
Extensive clinical experiences in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
Focus on patient-centered care, emphasizing critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision-making.
Dedicated NCLEX-RN preparation, including review courses, practice exams, and individualized support to maximize success.
Opportunities for simulation-based learning in state-of-the-art labs, mimicking real-world clinical scenarios.
Emphasis on evidence-based practice, fostering a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
Strong career outlook with diverse employment opportunities for registered nurses in a variety of specialties.
Nursing Schools in Spartanburg, South Carolina
Address: 800 University Way, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303-4999
Tri-County Technical College ADN, LPN, Pre-Nursing, RN Nursing Programs in Pendleton, South Carolina
Pre-Nursing programs provide a foundational understanding of science and healthcare concepts, preparing students for more advanced nursing programs.
LPN programs focus on practical nursing skills and patient care, leading to licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
ADN programs offer a comprehensive nursing education, allowing graduates to become Registered Nurses (RNs) after passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
RN-to-BSN programs, though not directly offered as an entry-level program, may be available through partnerships or articulation agreements, allowing ADN-prepared RNs to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Emphasis on hands-on clinical experience in local hospitals and healthcare facilities to prepare students for real-world nursing scenarios.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are often available to help students afford their nursing education.
Career pathways include entry-level nursing positions in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies.
Nursing Schools in Pendleton, South Carolina
Address: 7900 U.S. Hwy 76, Pendleton, South Carolina 29670
University of South Carolina Beaufort BSN, RN Nursing Programs in Okatie, South Carolina
Focuses on preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Emphasizes evidence-based practice and critical thinking skills essential for modern nursing.
Likely offers clinical experiences at hospitals and healthcare facilities in the surrounding Lowcountry region of South Carolina.
BSN programs generally require four years of study, incorporating science, humanities, and nursing-specific coursework.
RN programs, particularly those designed for individuals with prior non-nursing degrees (accelerated BSN), provide a quicker pathway to becoming a registered nurse.
May offer articulation agreements with technical colleges for RN-to-BSN completion, catering to working nurses seeking advanced education.
Emphasizes community health and rural healthcare, reflecting the needs of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Nursing Schools in Okatie, South Carolina
Address: 1 University Boulevard, Bluffton, South Carolina 29909
Spartanburg Community College ADN, LPN, RN Nursing Programs in Spartanburg, South Carolina
Focus on practical, hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for real-world nursing scenarios.
Offers a pathway to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) after a focused program.
Provides an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program which can be a faster route to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) than a four-year BSN program.
Prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-PN (for LPNs) or NCLEX-RN (for ADN graduates who wish to become RNs) licensing exams.
Curriculum incorporates both classroom instruction and supervised clinical rotations in local hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Often has articulation agreements with four-year universities, allowing ADN graduates to seamlessly transition to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
May offer flexible scheduling options, such as evening or weekend classes, to accommodate working students.
Nursing Schools in Spartanburg, South Carolina
Address: 107 Community College Drive, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303
South Carolina State University Nursing Programs in Springfield, South Carolina
Comprehensive curriculum covering foundational nursing concepts, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-newborn nursing, pediatrics, mental health nursing, and community health nursing.
Extensive clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations throughout South Carolina.
Dedicated faculty with extensive clinical experience and a commitment to student success.
State-of-the-art simulation lab to practice critical thinking and clinical skills in a safe and controlled environment.
Emphasis on patient-centered care, cultural sensitivity, and ethical decision-making.
Strong NCLEX-RN preparation with review courses, practice exams, and individualized support.
Excellent career outlook with opportunities in various healthcare settings across South Carolina and the nation.
Nursing Schools in Springfield, South Carolina
Address: 300 College St NE, Orangeburg, South Carolina 29117-0001
South University-Columbia Nursing Programs in Columbia, South Carolina
Comprehensive curriculum covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, and maternal-child nursing.
Emphasis on critical thinking, patient safety, and evidence-based practice in nursing care.
Extensive clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
Focus on developing strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills essential for effective teamwork.
Dedicated NCLEX-RN preparation resources and support to maximize student success on the licensing exam.
Career counseling and placement assistance to help graduates find employment opportunities as registered nurses.
Opportunities to participate in simulations and skills labs to practice nursing procedures in a safe and controlled environment.
Nursing Schools in Columbia, South Carolina
Address: 9 Science Court, Columbia, South Carolina 29203
Extensive clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
Emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based practice.
NCLEX-RN exam preparation woven throughout the curriculum, including practice questions, review sessions, and simulated exams.
Focus on patient-centered care, communication, and interprofessional collaboration.
Opportunity to develop leadership and management skills essential for nursing practice.
May include specialized courses or electives in areas such as pediatrics, mental health, or geriatrics.
Nursing Schools in Central, South Carolina
Address: 907 Wesleyan Drive, Central, South Carolina 29630-1020
Extensive clinical experiences in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
Focus on patient-centered care, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice.
Dedicated NCLEX-RN exam preparation resources, including review courses, practice exams, and tutoring.
Experienced faculty with diverse nursing backgrounds committed to student success.
Opportunities for simulation-based learning to enhance clinical skills in a safe environment.
Prepares graduates for immediate entry into the nursing workforce and for further academic pursuits (e.g., BSN completion).
Nursing Schools in Orangeburg, South Carolina
Address: 3250 Saint Matthews Rd, Orangeburg, South Carolina 29118-8299
Piedmont Technical College ADN, BSN, LPN, RN, RN to BSN Nursing Programs in Greenwood, South Carolina
LPN program focuses on basic nursing skills and direct patient care under the supervision of RNs or physicians.
ADN programs prepare students for entry-level RN positions, emphasizing clinical skills and patient assessment.
BSN programs offer a more comprehensive education, including leadership, research, and community health, alongside advanced clinical practice.
RN programs (typically referring to ADN or BSN graduates who have passed the NCLEX) allow nurses to provide direct patient care, administer medications, and educate patients and families.
RN to BSN programs allow associate degree nurses to advance their education and career prospects, typically offered online for flexibility.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam (depending on the program) to become licensed.
Programs often include clinical rotations at local hospitals and healthcare facilities in the Greenwood, SC area, like Self Regional Healthcare (now part of Prisma Health Upstate).
Nursing Schools in Greenwood, South Carolina
Address: 620 North Emerald Road, Greenwood, South Carolina 29646
Denmark Technical College MSN, RN Nursing Programs in Denmark, South Carolina
Focus on preparing graduates for immediate entry into the nursing workforce, particularly in South Carolina.
Strong emphasis on practical skills and clinical experience through partnerships with local healthcare facilities.
RN programs likely offer pathways for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to advance their careers.
Curriculum designed to meet the standards set by the South Carolina Board of Nursing.
Emphasis on patient safety, ethical practice, and evidence-based care.
Potential for graduates to work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health settings.
MSN programs, if offered, will likely provide specialized tracks such as nurse educator or nurse administrator, focusing on leadership and advanced clinical knowledge.
Nursing Schools in Denmark, South Carolina
Address: 1126 Solomon Blatt Blvd, Denmark, South Carolina 29042
Bob Jones University Nursing Programs in Greenville, South Carolina
Comprehensive curriculum covering nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-newborn nursing, pediatric nursing, mental health nursing, and community health nursing.
Extensive clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations, to provide hands-on patient care.
Dedicated faculty with expertise in various nursing specialties, providing mentorship and guidance throughout the program.
Focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and clinical decision-making skills necessary for safe and effective nursing practice.
Emphasis on ethical and legal considerations in nursing, as well as cultural sensitivity and patient-centered care.
NCLEX-RN preparation integrated throughout the program, including practice exams, review sessions, and individualized support.
Strong career outlook with opportunities in a wide range of healthcare settings and specialties.
Nursing Schools in Greenville, South Carolina
Address: 1700 Wade Hampton Boulavard, Greenville, South Carolina 29614-0001
Charleston Southern University ADN, BSN, MSN, Nurse Educator, Nursing Admin/Leadership Nursing Programs in North Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston Southern University likely offers a variety of nursing program options, including ADN, BSN, MSN, and specialized tracks such as Nurse Educator and Nursing Administration/Leadership.
The BSN program probably emphasizes critical thinking, leadership skills, and comprehensive patient care, preparing graduates for diverse roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.
The MSN program, especially with tracks like Nurse Educator and Nursing Admin/Leadership, typically focuses on advanced clinical practice, research, and management principles.
Nurse Educator programs would likely equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to teach future nurses in academic or clinical settings.
Nursing Administration/Leadership programs probably concentrate on healthcare management, policy, and organizational leadership within nursing.
Many programs likely incorporate a Christian worldview and ethical considerations into the curriculum.
Clinical experiences in local hospitals and healthcare facilities in the North Charleston area would be integral to the nursing programs.
Nursing Schools in North Charleston, South Carolina
Address: 9200 University Blvd, Charleston, South Carolina 29406-9121
Coastal Carolina University BSN, DNP, RN Nursing Programs in Conway, South Carolina
BSN Program: Focuses on foundational nursing skills, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice to prepare graduates for entry-level registered nurse positions. Often includes clinical rotations in diverse healthcare settings.
DNP Program: A terminal practice degree designed for advanced practice nurses, such as Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives. Emphasizes leadership, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice at an advanced level.
RN-to-BSN Program (if offered): Designed for registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma in nursing to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Builds upon existing nursing knowledge and experience, focusing on leadership, research, and community health.
Simulation Labs: Nursing programs typically utilize advanced simulation labs to provide students with hands-on learning experiences in a safe and controlled environment.
Clinical Partnerships: Universities often have strong partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare facilities to provide students with diverse clinical experiences. These partnerships can lead to future employment opportunities.
Career Paths: Graduates can pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, and other healthcare settings. Advanced practice nurses (DNP) can diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and lead healthcare teams.
Nursing Schools in Conway, South Carolina
Address: 103 Tom Trout Drive, Conway, South Carolina 29526
Academy for Careers and Technology Nursing Programs in Mullins, South Carolina
Comprehensive curriculum encompassing anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, maternal-newborn nursing, and pediatric nursing.
Extensive clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health agencies.
Preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) through dedicated coursework, practice exams, and review sessions.
Focus on patient-centered care, critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and effective communication skills.
Emphasis on ethical and legal considerations in nursing practice.
Opportunity for career advancement and specialization within the nursing field.
Experienced and qualified nursing faculty dedicated to student success.
Nursing Schools in Mullins, South Carolina
Address: 2697 E Hwy 76, Mullins, South Carolina 29574-6009
1. What types of nursing programs are available in South Carolina?
Nursing schools in South Carolina offer various programs, including:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs – Entry-level training for nursing assistants.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs – Typically one year of training.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – A two-year program that prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam and RN licensure.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – A four-year degree that provides more career opportunities and higher earning potential.
RN-to-BSN programs – Designed for current RNs who want to earn a BSN.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Advanced education for specialized nursing roles, such as nurse practitioner or nurse educator.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – The highest level of clinical nursing education.
2. How do I choose the best nursing school in South Carolina?
When selecting a nursing school, consider factors like accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, clinical training opportunities, tuition costs, and program flexibility (online, hybrid, or in-person).
3. Why is nursing school accreditation important?
Accreditation ensures your program meets high educational standards. Nursing programs should be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Attending an accredited school is required for licensure and financial aid eligibility.
4. How do I check if a nursing program in South Carolina is accredited?
You can verify accreditation by visiting the school’s website, checking the ACEN or CCNE directories, or contacting the State Board of Nursing in South Carolina.
5. How long does it take to complete a nursing program?
The duration depends on the type of program:
CNA program: A few weeks to a few months.
LPN/LVN program: About 12 months.
ADN program: 2 years.
BSN program: 4 years.
RN-to-BSN program: 12-24 months.
MSN program: 2 years (after BSN).
DNP program: 3-4 years.
6. Can I complete a nursing program online?
Some programs, such as RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP, offer online coursework. However, pre-licensure programs (like ADN and BSN) require in-person clinical training.
7. What is the NCLEX, and why is it important?
The NCLEX-PN (for LPNs) and NCLEX-RN (for RNs) are national exams required for licensure. Graduating from an accredited program is necessary to sit for these exams.
8. What financial aid options are available for nursing students?
Students enrolled in accredited nursing programs may qualify for:
Federal financial aid (Pell Grants, loans, and work-study programs).
State grants and scholarships.
Nursing-specific scholarships.
Employer tuition assistance programs.
9. What are the job opportunities for nurses in South Carolina?
Nurses in South Carolina can work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home healthcare, and specialized care facilities. Advanced degrees open opportunities in leadership, education, and specialized nursing roles like nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist.
10. How much do nurses earn in South Carolina?
Salaries vary based on education, experience, and location. On average:
CNA: $30,000 – $40,000 per year.
LPN/LVN: $45,000 – $55,000 per year.
RN (ADN or BSN): $65,000 – $90,000 per year.
MSN-prepared nurses: $90,000 – $120,000 per year.
Nurse practitioners and APRNs: $100,000 – $150,000 per year.